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Contents Page | 1
Page | 2 Revised: February 2016
Contents
Introduction 1
Aviation Weather Services 2
Pilot Briefing Service (PBS) ........................................................................ 2
Aviation Weather Web Site (AWWS) ........................................................ 2
Pilots Automatic Telephone Weather Answering System (PATWAS)...... 3
Available Weather Data ..................................................................... 4
Flight Information Centres (FIC) 6
Weather Briefing Tips ............................................................................... 7
Pilot Briefing Format ................................................................................. 8
Flight Plan Form ........................................................................................ 9
Trans-Border Flights .................................................................................. 9
Sound Weather Judgment ........................................................................ 9
In-Flight Weather 10
Aviation Weather Information 11
Weather Product Summary .................................................................... 11
Aviation Weather Observation Products 15
Surface Weather Observations (METAR / SPECI / LWIS) ........................ 15
AWOS and LWIS................................................................................ 17
METAR Decode and Description ...................................................... 18
Density Altitude ................................................................................ 22
Pilot Weather Report (PIREP) ................................................................. 23
Turbulence and Icing Reporting Tables ............................................ 23
PIREP Decode and Description ......................................................... 25
AIRMET ............................................................................................. 26
AIRMET Decode and Description ..................................................... 27
SIGMET ............................................................................................. 28
SIGMET Decode and Description...................................................... 29
Contents Page | i
Weather Radar ........................................................................................30
Satellite Imagery ......................................................................................31
Surface Analysis Chart .............................................................................32
Upper Air Analysis Charts ........................................................................33
Aviation Weather Forecast Products 35
Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) ......................................................................35
TAF Decode and Description.............................................................36
Graphic Area Forecast (GFA) ...................................................................38
GFA Spatial Coverage Qualifiers .......................................................39
Clouds and Weather Chart................................................................40
IFR Outlook .......................................................................................42
Icing, Turbulence, and Freezing Level Chart .....................................42
Upper Level Wind and Temperature Forecast (FB) .................................44
Weather Charts Prognosis vs Analysis..................................................44
Upper Level Wind and Temperature Prognosis Charts ...........................45
Significant Weather Prognosis Charts .....................................................45
Meteorological Symbols 46
US Differences 47
Meteorological Abbreviations 48
Aviation Weather References 49
Page | ii
Introduction
The Aviation Weather Services Guide is designed to assist pilots and dispatchers
about the availability and use of aviation weather products and services.
NAV CANADA is the private non-share capital corporation responsible for
providing civil air navigation services, including the aviation weather program
within Canadian airspace and Canadian-controlled oceanic airspace in the North
Atlantic to 30W longitude.
For more detailed information on products and services, see:
the Meteorological (MET) section of the Transport Canada Aeronautical
Information Manual (TC AIM);
Manual of Standards and Procedures for Aviation Weather Forecasts
(MANAIR), which is available through the NAV CANADA Aviation Weather
Web Site;
the Air Command Weather Manual (and supplement); and
specific aerodrome information listed in the Canada Flight Supplement
(CFS).
This guide is not an exhaustive review of aviation weather services. For more
information regarding aviation weather services or to order additional copies,
contact NAV CANADA Customer Service.
NAV CANADA
Customer Service
77 Metcalfe Street
Ottawa, ON K1P 5L6
Tel: 1-800-876-4693
Fax: 1-613-563-3426
service@navcanada.ca
www.navcanada.ca
Introduction Page | 1
Aviation Weather Services
NAV CANADA provides aviation weather services in support of aircraft
operations conducted in Canadian domestic airspace. Aviation weather
information is available through either an interpretative Pilot Briefing Service
(PBS) from Flight Information Centres (FIC) or via the Internet through the
Aviation Weather Web Site (AWWS).
Pilot Briefing Service (PBS)
PBS is the provision of, or consultation on, meteorological and aeronautical
information to assist pilots in flight planning and includes a fully interpretive
weather briefing service provided by specially trained Flight Service Specialists
at FIC. Interpretation of changing or complex weather situations, special user
needs, consultation on specific weather problems, NOTAM and flight planning
services are all available from the FIC. Refer to the FLT PLN section of the CFS
Aerodrome Facility Directory for FIC contact information.
Aviation Weather Web Site (AWWS)
Internet access to Canadian aviation weather information is available through
the NAV CANADA Aviation Weather Web Site
(www.flightplanning.navcanada.ca). Canadian NOTAM and flight plan filing is
also available. American (U.S.) weather information, while not directly available
on the AWWS, is accessible through a link to the Aviation Digital Data Service
(ADDS) website.
The AWWS provides access to:
coded and plain language surface weather observations (METAR and SPECI)
aerodrome forecasts (TAF)
pilot weather reports (PIREP)
route specific alphanumeric information
weather charts
satellite and composite radar imagery
plotted wind and temperature charts
NOTAM; weather cameras
live runway visual range (RVR)
supplemental and reference information
Page | 2
The Aviation Weather Web Site consists of 5 sections, each accessible by
selecting the corresponding tab in the lower portion of the NAV CANADA
banner at the top of the page.
My WX Data/Wx Mail Personal weather information page that enable users to save up to
10 customized weather information folders; flight dispatchers can
save up to 50. Saved weather information can be configured for
email dissemination on a user-scheduled basis. Pilots must subscribe
to use this feature.
Route Data Enable users to retrieve weather information along a proposed flight
route by specifying the departure, destinations and enroute
airports.
Regional Area Data Retrieves user-selected weather information for one of seven GFA
regions.
Local Data Retrieves user-selected weather information within a 50 nautical
mile (NM) radius of a selected aerodrome.
Forecasts and The default page for the Web Site, which provides direct access to
Observations all available weather information.
A link to the new Collaborative Flight Planning System (CFPS) for flight planning
and graphical depiction of weather is available on the Aviation Weather Web
Site.
Whether you choose to self-brief on the Aviation Weather Web Site, call a FIC
briefer or a combination of both is up to you. However, you should keep in mind
that the FIC briefer has advanced weather training and meteorological products
and tools which allow them to provide a professional interpretation of weather
conditions tailored for your particular flight situation. Most pilots find that
contacting a briefer is particularly beneficial when facing complex or rapidly
changing weather conditions.
Pilots Automatic Telephone Weather Answering System (PATWAS)
The PATWAS automatically generates and updates speech messages in both
official languages, created from aviation weather messages. It is anticipated that
PATWAS will be decommissioned in the near future.
The PATWAS extracts and checks official text-based weather data and
automatically updates it.
If new weather information has not been received before the expiry of the
current data, a voice message indicating Report Not Available will be
generated.
The text-to-voice component uses pre-recorded audio to produce bilingual
broadcast quality message.
Page | 4
PATWAS Code Legend
To enter an airport identifier on the telephone keypad, callers must press two
keys for each letter. The first key press is the letter's position on the telephone
keypad (e.g. the keypad number [2] represents the letters "A", "B" and "C", the
keypad number [3] represents "D", "E" and "F", etc.) The second key press is
either [1], [2] or [3] and corresponds to the first, second or third letter on the
key (e.g. "C" is the third letter on the [2] key, so the key sequence for "C" is [2]
[3]). Letters "Q" and "Z" are assigned [7] [7] and [9] [9] respectively, as they do
not appear on the keypad.
All alphabetized codes are indicated below:
A = 21 B = 22 C = 23 D = 31 E = 32 F = 33 G = 41
H = 42 I = 43 J = 51 K = 52 L = 53 M = 61 N = 62
O = 63 P = 71 Q = 77 R = 72 S = 73 T = 81 U = 82
V = 83 W = 91 X = 92 Y = 93 Z = 99
FICs provide pre-flight and flight information services enroute (FISE), pilot
weather briefings, meteorological information, aeronautical information,
aeronautical broadcasts, flight planning and VFR alerting, flight regularity
message service, and other associated information services.
For access to services provided by the FIC, the following telephone numbers are
available toll-free within Canada only:
1-866-WXBRIEF (1-866-992-7433) Calls to this number are routed to the FIC serving the area
from where the call originates.
1-866-GOMTO (1-866-466-3836) All calls to this number are routed to Qubec FIC, which
provides of bilingual services.
Pilots calling an FIC can access the PATWAS to obtain weather information by
pressing the corresponding number on the main menu. The automated system
has a fax-back function and speech recognition capability.
Page | 6
Should you experience problems connecting to a FIC via 1-866-WXBRIEF/
GOMTO, these numbers provide direct access to specific FIC from within
Canada and the continental United States.
Kamloops 1-866-541-4101
Edmonton 1-866-541-4102
Winnipeg 1-866-541-4103
London 1-866-541-4104
Qubec
(bilingual service) 1-866-541-4105
Halifax 1-866-541-4106
Services that are specific to an aerodrome such as airport advisory, vehicle
control or local weather observations will continue to be provided locally
through the existing NAV CANADA Flight Service Station (FSS) network.
Weather Briefing Tips
To obtain a good weather briefing, start with the big weather picture. While it
may be tempting to begin with the detailed weather reports and forecasts,
making sure you first have an appreciation of the synoptic-scale weather
situation will enable you to better understand how current and future weather
conditions may affect your flight.
A common practice amongst many pilots is to use the NAV CANADA Aviation
Weather Web Site to get an appreciation of general weather conditions prior to
contacting the FIC for a briefing.
When youre ready to call the FIC, these steps can help you prepare for the call:
Have a pen and paper handy for making notes during the briefing.
Familiarize yourself with the general weather situation.
Make note of any questions you would like to ask the briefer.
Have relevant information about your flight handy.
Page | 8
Flight Plan Form
It is good practice to familiarize yourself with the content and format of a flight
plan before calling the briefer to file one. More information can be found in the
TC AIM or the CFS.
Trans-Border Flights
If you are planning a trans-border flight heres a few important things to know
before you go:
In Canada, briefers provide any U.S. weather information available to them;
however, you are encouraged to contact an American Automated Flight Service
Station (AFSS) for an update briefing as soon as possible after entry into the US.
If youre calling a Canadian FIC while in the US, please keep in mind that the
briefer is permitted to provide you only with weather information for the
Canadian portion of your return trans-border trip.
When you file a VFR flight plan in Canada, it is automatically opened at the
estimated time of departure (ETD) even if you fail to activate it. In US your filed
flight plan is opened only when activated with an AFSS by the pilot directly.
Sound Weather Judgment
Know before you go! Familiarize yourself with all significant weather conditions
before you begin your flight as follow
Start monitoring the weather a day or so prior to your intended flight. This will
provide you with a general weather trend of how weather conditions are
evolving.
Make your Go / No-Go decision based on the inclement weather you may face.
Remember only YOU can make this decision: the briefer will provide you with
the information but the responsibility for proceeding with the flight rests solely
with you.
Page | 10
Aviation Weather Information
Weather information is disseminated as either alphanumeric data or graphic
weather products. Current weather information describes weather conditions
that have already occurred, whereas forecast weather products depict the most
likely weather conditions at some future time.
Weather Information
Alphanumeric Weather Data Graphic Weather Products
Current Weather Current Weather
Aerodrome Routine and Special Meteorological Analysis Charts (Surface & Upper Air)
Reports (METAR/SPECI) Weather Radar
Pilot Weather Reports (PIREPs) Satellite Imagery
Forecast Weather Forecast Weather
Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) Graphic Area Forecast (GFA)
Winds and Temperature Aloft Forecast (FD/FB) Significant Weather Charts
AIRMET Turbulence Charts
SIGMET Upper Level Wind Charts
Volcanic Ash Charts
Weather Product Summary
The products described in the following tables are routinely available to pilots
and dispatchers for flight planning and weather monitoring purposes.
Alphanumeric Weather Data
Product
Issue Time / Coverage Description
Validity
Period
SIGMET As required - As specified in the Information message issued by a
4 hours. body of the SIGMET meteorological watch office (MWO) to
Volcanic ash advise pilots of the occurrence or expected
and tropical occurrence of specified weather
cyclone: valid phenomena, which may affect the safety of
for 6 hours aircraft operations, and the development of
those phenomena in time and space.
AIRMET As required - As specified in the Information message issued by a
4 hours. Valid body of the meteorological watch office (MWO) to
until updated, AIRMET, up to and advise pilots of the occurrence or expected
cancelled, or including 24 000 occurrence of specified weather
a new GFA is feet phenomena which may affect the safety of
issued aircraft operations, which were not already
included in a Graphic Area Forecast (GFA),
and the development of those phenomena
in time and space
PIREP When As reported by a Flight conditions, as reported by a pilot
received from pilot
a pilot
Page | 12
Graphic Weather Products
Graphic Area Forecast Issued four times daily: National Forecast depiction of
(GFA) Chart 00Z, 06Z, 12Z, 18Z coverage via weather conditions up
valid for 12 hours with seven regional to and including
an additional 12-hour charts: 24 000 feet, consists
IFR outlook GFACN31- Pacific of three Clouds and
GFACN32 - Weather charts and
Prairies three Icing,
GFACN33 - Ont / Turbulence and
Que Freezing Level charts
GFACN34 -
Atlantic
GFACN35 - Yukon
GFACN36 -
Nunavut
GFACN37 - Arctic
Local Graphic Forecast Issued four times daily: Local coverage of Forecast depiction of
(LGF) Chart 15Z, 18Z, 21Z, 00Z specific weather conditions
valid for 6 hours. Last geographic areas below 10 000 ft,
LGF includes Outlook (e.g., West Coast tailored to meet local
for the next morning VFR LGF) need. Supplements
the GFA
Significant Weather Four times daily: valid Coverage varies Forecast depiction of
Prognosis Chart 00Z, 06Z, 12Z, 18Z by product significant weather
High-level, FL250- conditions (e.g.,
600 (400-70hPa) thunderstorms, icing,
Mid-level, FL100- turbulence
250 (700-400hPa)
N. Atlantic, Sfc-
FL250 (SFC-
400hPa)
Volcanic Ash Forecast As required As required Forecast depiction of
Chart expected ash cloud
dispersion (plume)
Upper Level Wind and Twice daily: valid 00Z, Coverage varies Forecast depiction of
Temperature Forecast 06Z, 12Z, 18Z by product: wind and
Chart available for temperatures aloft
FL240, FL340,
FL390, FL450
Turbulence Forecast Twice daily: valid 00Z, National and Forecast depiction of
Chart 12Z North Atlantic MDT & SEV turbulence
coverage (jet stream /
convective) between
FL280-FL430
Page | 14
Aviation Weather Observation Products
Canada has more than 230 surface weather observation sites. At each site,
weather data is routinely collected by either a human observer or a suite of
automated sensors, and are then coded into weather observations for
dissemination.
Surface Weather Observations (METAR / SPECI / LWIS)
Routine surface weather observations taken on the hour are disseminated as
METARs. SPECIs are special weather observations, issued at times other than on
the hour, as the result of significant weather changes. If a METAR or SPECI is
taken by a suite of automated sensors, it is denoted as an AUTO observation
in the body of the report.
Two types of automated weather stations are used for aviation purposes: the
Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) and the Limited Weather
Information System (LWIS).
AWOS has a full suite of sensors that measures cloud base height, sky cover,
visibility, temperature, dew point, wind velocity, altimeter setting, precipitation
occurrence, type, amount and intensity, and icing. LWIS is a more basic
automated weather system, measuring only wind, altimeter setting,
temperature and dew point. Either system may be equipped with a voice
generation module.
Stand-alone METAR AUTO and LWIS reports are available during published
hours through normal meteorological information systems. At some sites an
automated voice broadcast of the latest observation is available via VHF
transmitter. In these cases, the VHF frequency is displayed in the COMM box
(e.g., COMM AWOS 124.7, COMM AUTO 122.025).
The hours of coverage for METAR, METAR AUTO, and LWIS are indicated (e.g.
METAR 09-21Z). At sites where coverage is 24 hours, the coverage is listed as
H24 (e.g. METAR H24, METAR AUTO H24). At sites where there is a combination
of weather programs, the coverage will be listed as METAR xx-xxZ O/T METAR
AUTO or LWIS (e.g. METAR 12-20Z O/T LWIS).
All aviation weather observations and aviation weather camera images are
available on the NAV CANADA Aviation Weather Web Site (AWWS) at
www.flightplanning.navcanada.ca.
Page | 16
AWOS and LWIS
NAV CANADAs automated weather system network (AWOS and LWIS) includes
the following features:
AWOS and LWIS
Enhancement Description AWOS LWIS
Thunderstorms reported at sites within the domain of the Canadian Y
Lightning Detection Network. Thunderstorm activity, based on the
proximity of the lightning strike(s) to the site, are reported as:
TS Thunderstorm (at site), if lightning detected at 6sm
or less
VCTS Thunderstorm in the Vicinity, if lightning detected
from >6-10sm
LTNG DIST (direction) if lightning detected from >10 - 30sm,
Lightning Distant with octant compass cardinal
direction is reported in Remarks e.g., LTNG DIST NE,
S, SW
LTNG DIST ALL Lightning Distant All Quadrants is reported in
QUADS Remarks if lightning detected in four or more octant
Ice-resistant anemometer technology employed Y Y
Density altitude reported Y
Laser ceilometer can report cloud bases up to 25 000 feet Y
Improved AWOS can report Haze (HZ); Mist (BR); Fog (FG); Y
Obstructions to Freezing Fog (FZFG); and Blowing Snow (BLSN)
Vision reporting
capability
Runway Visual Range (RVR) reported at sites equipped with RVR sensors Y
Specific remarks will be added whenever data is missing Y
CLD MISG sky condition (cloud) data missing
ICG MISG icing data missing
PCPN MISG precipitation data missing
PRES MISG pressure (altimeter) data missing
RVR MISG RVR data missing
T MISG temperature data missing
TD MISG dew point temperature data missing
TS/LTNG TEMPO thunderstorm/lightning data missing
UNAVBL
VIS MISG visibility missing
WND MISG wind missing
WX MISG weather data missing
Page | 18
METAR CYXE 292000Z CCA 30015G25KT 3/4SM R33/4000FT/D -RA BR BKN008 OVC040 21/19
A2992 WS RWY33 RMK SF5NS3 VIS NW 3/8 SLP134 DENSITY ALTITUDE 2500FT
BKN008 OVC040 Sky Condition - The cloud layer at 800 feet is broken, covering from
5/8 to 7/8 of the observed sky. The next cloud layer at 4 000 feet,
combined with the lower cloud layer, is overcast covering 8/8 of the
sky, as observed from the ground
Clouds are reported based on the summation amount of each cloud
layer as observed from the surface up. The layer amounts are
reported in eighths of sky coverage (oktas) as follows:
SKC no cloud (AWOS reports CLR if no cloud below 25 000 ft
FEW >0 to 2 oktas of cloud
SCT 3 to 4 oktas of cloud
BKN 5 to 7 oktas of cloud
OVC 8 oktas of cloud
Only CB and TCU clouds will be appended to a layer. An obscured sky
is reported as vertical visibility (VV) in hundreds of feet
21/19 Temperature - 21 C, dew point - 19 C
Temperature and dew point are reported to the nearest whole
degree Celsius. The letter M will precede negative values
A2992 Altimeter Setting 29.92 inches of mercury
The letter A prefixing the 4-digit number group indicates inches of
mercury for altimeter setting
WS RWY 33 Winds Shear - Wind shear reported in the takeoff or landing path of
Runway 33 at 1 500 feet AGL and below
Wind shear information at 1 500 feet AGL and below will be provided
when reported by an aircraft (usually on takeoff or landing)
RMK SF5SC3 Remarks - The lowest reported cloud layer type is stratus fractus with
an amount of 5 oktas; the next cloud layer is nimbostratus with an
amount of 3 oktas
Where observed, the obscuration and cloud type amount for each
reported layer is included in remarks. It may exceed 8 oktas if a higher
layer is observed through transparencies in a lower layer
VIS NW 3/8 Supplementary Remarks - Visibility to the northwest is 3/8 statute
mile
Other supplementary remarks of operational significance may be
included using standard meteorological abbreviations
SLP134 Mean Sea Level (MSL) Pressure - 1013.4 hPa.
The MSL pressure, reported to the nearest tenth of an hPa is always
the last field of the METAR report, prefixed with SLP. The MSL
pressure is reported in an abbreviated coded form
If the coded MSL pressure value starts with a 9, 8, or 7, add the
number 9 to the beginning (e.g., 880 becomes 988.0)
If the coded MSL pressure value starts with a 0, 1, 2, or 3, add the
number 10 to the beginning (e.g., 134 becomes 1013.4)
DENSITY ALTITUDE Density Altitude 2 500 ft
2500FT This remark is only added when the density altitude is 200 ft or higher
than the aerodrome elevation.
Page | 20
Significant Present Weather Codes
Weather Codes
Qualifier Weather Phenomena
Intensity or Descriptor Precipitation Obscuration Other
Vicinity
DZ Drizzle BR Mist PO Dust/sand
(VIS > 5/8 Whirls
SM (Dust
Devils)
Note: MI Shallow RA Rain FG Fog SQ Squalls
Precipitation (Vis < 5/8
Intensity refers to SM)
all forms combined
BC Patches SN Snow FU Smoke +FC Tornado or
(VIS < 6 Waterspout
SM)
Light PR Partial SG Snow DU Dust FC Funnel
Grains (VIS < 6 Cloud
SM)
Moderate DR Drifting IC Ice SA Sand SS Sandstorm
(no qualifier) Crystals (VIS < 6 (VIS < 5/8
SM) SM)
+Heavy BL Blowing PL Ice HZ Haze +SS Heavy
Pellets (VIS < 6 Sandstorm
SM) (VIS < 5/16
SM)
SH Showers (s) GR Hail VA Volcanic DS Duststorm
Ash (VIS < 5/8
(With any SM)
VIS)
TS Thunderstorm GS Snow Pellets +DS Heavy
Duststorm
(VIS < 5/8
SM)
FZ Freezing UP Unknown
Precipitation
(AWOS only)
Density Altitude
Density altitude is a measure of air density. It is not to be used as a height
reference, but as determining criteria in the performance capability of aircraft.
Air density decreases with altitude. As air density decreases, density altitude
increases. The further effects of high temperature and high humidity are
cumulative, resulting in an increasing high density altitude condition.
Effects of Density Altitude: High density altitude reduces all aircraft
performance parameters. To the pilot, this means that the normal horsepower
output is reduced, propeller efficiency is reduced, and a higher true airspeed is
required to sustain the aircraft. It means an increase in runway length
requirements for takeoff and landings, and decreased climb rate. For example,
an aircraft, requiring 1 000 feet for takeoff at sea level under standard
atmospheric conditions requires a take-off run of approximately 2 000 feet at an
operational altitude of 5 000 feet.
Note: A turbo-charged aircraft engine provides some slight advantages: it
provides sea-level horsepower up to a specified altitude.
Page | 22
Pilot Weather Report (PIREP)
PIREPs are reports of weather conditions by pilots in flight and are extremely
useful to forecasters, weather briefers, and other pilots. Often the PIREP
provides the only weather information. Even on good weather days, PIREPs are
helpful for validating forecasts and assisting other pilots with flight planning
decisions. PIREPs are distributed using standard meteorological abbreviations
(Abbreviations are covered later in this guide). Recent PIREPs that contain
weather elements that could be hazardous for other aircraft are broadcast
immediately by air traffic services. PIREPs are available in both coded form and
plain language on the NAV CANADA Aviation Weather Web Site.
It is highly recommended to pass PIREPs to the Flight Service Specialist
whenever possible during flight using 126.7 MHz or the discrete frequency or as
soon as feasible after landing. Flight service specialists accept pilot reports as
provided by the pilot, however, additional information may at times be
requested.
Turbulence and Icing Reporting Tables
Turbulence Reporting
Intensity Aircraft Reaction Inside Aircraft
Light Slight erratic changes (turbulence) Slight strain against seat belts, walking
Slight rhythmic changed (chop) not difficult
Moderate Changes to altitude/attitude but Definite strain against seat belts
aircraft remains in control Objects are dislodged
Rapid bumps or jolts (chop) Walking difficult
Severe Large, abrupt changes in Forced violently against seat belts
altitude/attitude and airspeed Walking impossible
Momentarily out of control Unsecured objects thrown about
Page | 24
PIREP Decode and Description
UACN10 CYXU 032133
YZ
UA /OV YXU 090010 /TM 2120 /FL080 /TP PA31 /SK 020BKN040 OVC110 /TA -12 /WV
030045 /TB MDT BLO 040 /IC LGT RIME 020-040 /RM NIL TURB CYYZ-CYHM
UACN10 PIREP Type Regular Priority
Urgent PIREP are encoded as UACN01
CYXU Station Identifier Issuing Office
PIREP issued by London FIC
032133 Date/Time of Issue (UTC)
rd
PIREP was issued on the 3 day of the month at 2133UTC
YZ Flight Information Region (FIR)
Toronto FIR. If the PIREP extends into an adjacent FIR, both FIRs are
indicated
UA PIREP Designator
An urgent PIREP is indicated using the designator UUA
/OV YXU 090010 Location
London VOR 090 radial, 10 NM. PIREP location is reported with
reference to a NAVAID, airport or geographic coordinates (latitude /
longitude)
/TM 2120 Time of PIREP
PIREP was reported at 2120 UTC
/FL080 Flight Level
Altitude is 8 000 ft ASL. Altitude may also be reported as DURD
(during descent), DURC (during climb) or UNKN (unknown)
/TP PA31 Aircraft Type
Piper Navajo. Designator of aircraft reporting the PIREP
/SK 020BKN040 Sky Cover
OVC110 Two layers of cloud have been reported. First layer of cloud based at 2
000 ft with tops at 4 000 ft ASL. Second layer of cloud tops at 11 000 ft
ASL
/TA -12 Air Temperature
The air temperature at 8 000 ft ASL is reported as -12 Celsius
/WV 030045 Wind Velocity
Wind direction 030 degrees true; wind speed 45 knots. Wind
direction reported in degrees magnetic will be converted to degrees
true
/TB MDT BLO 040 Turbulence
Moderate turbulence reported below 4 000 ft ASL
/IC LGT RIME 020-040 Icing
Light rime icing (in cloud) reported between 2 000 ft ASL and 4 000 ft
ASL
/RM NIL TURB CYYZ- Remarks
CYHM No turbulence encountered between Toronto and Hamilton
Page | 26
AIRMET Decode and Description
WACN23 CWAO 162225
CZWG AIRMET A1 VALID 162225/170225 CWEG
CZWG WINNIPEG FIR ISOLD TS OBS WTN 20NM OF LINE /N4929 W09449/25 SW CYQK N5104
W09348/CYRL N5209 W09120/60NW CYPL TOP FL340 MOV E 15KT NC
RMK GFACN33
WACN23 AIRMET (WA)
For Canadian Airspace (CN)
For Winnipeg FIR (23)
CWAO World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Header
International four-letter location indicator of the centre
originating or compiling the bulletins
162225 Date/Time of Issue (UTC)
AIRMET issued on the 16th day of the month at 2225Z
AIRMET A1 Bulletin Number
The first AIRMET issued for this weather phenomenon within the
Winnipeg FIR
VALID 162225/170225 Validity Period
CWEG AIRMET valid for four hours; from the 16th day of the month at
2225Z until the 17th day of the month at 0225Z, was issued by
MWO at the Canadian Meteorological Aviation Centre - West
(CMAC-W) in Edmonton. CWUL indicates CMAC-E in Montreal
ISOLD TS OBS Description of the Phenomenon
Isolated thunderstorms observed
WTN 20NM OF LINE /N4929 Location of the Phenomenon
W09449/25SW CYQK - Within 20 nautical miles of a line from 25 miles southwest of
/N5104 W09348/CYRL Kenora (N4929 W09449 CYQK) to Red Lake (N5104 W09348
N5209 W09120/60 NW CYPL CYRL) to 60 nautical miles northwest of Pickle Lake (N5209
W09120 CYPL)
TOP FL340 Flight Level and Extent
Tops of the thunderstorms extends to Flight Level 340
MOV E 15KT Movement or Expected Movement
The isolated thunderstorms are moving east at 15 knots
NC Change in Intensity
No change in intensity expected
RMK GFACN33 Remarks
Phenomenon is forecast within the GFACN33 domain
SIGMET will be issued for the following phenomena (with only one phenomenon
in each SIGMET):
Thunderstorm (TS): FRQ or SQLN, with hail, tornado/waterspout as
necessary
Turbulence (TURB): only SEV
Icing (ICG): only SEV with or without FZRA
Mountain waves (MTW): only SEV
Low Level wind shear (LLWS)
Dust storm (DS): only HVY
Sand storm (SS): only HVY
Radioactive cloud (RDOACT CLD)
Page | 28
SIGMET Decode and Description
WSCN23 CWAO 162225
CZWG SIGMET A4 VALID 162225/170225 CWEG
CZWG WINNIPEG FIR WTN SQLN TS OBS WTN 20NM OF LINE /N4929 W09449/25 SW CYQK
N5104 W09348/CYRL N5209 W09120/60NW CYPL TOP FL340 MOV E 15KT NC
RMK GFACN33
WSCN23 SIGMET Type (WS)
For Canadian Airspace (CN)
For Winnipeg FIR (23)
CWAO World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Header
International four-letter location indicator of the centre
originating or compiling the bulletins
162225 Date/Time of Issue (UTC)
Issued on the 16th day of the month at 2225UTC
SIGMET A4 Bulletin Number
Supersedes its predecessor A3, which was issued by the same
weather centre to describe the same weather phenomenon
within the Winnipeg FIR
VALID 162225/170225 Validity Period
CWEG SIGMET valid for four hours; from the 16th day of the month at
2225Z until the 17th day of the month at 0225Z and was issued
by Meteorological Watch Office (MWO) at the Canadian
Meteorological Aviation Centre - West (CMAC-W) in Edmonton.
CWUL indicates CMAC-E in Montreal
CZWG WINNIPEG FIR Location Indicator and Name of the FIR
CZWG for the Winnipeg FIR
SQLN TS OBS Description of the Phenomenon
A squall line of thunderstorm is observed
WTN 20NM OF LINE /N4929 Location of the Phenomenon
W09449/25SW CYQK - Within 20 nautical miles of a line from 25 miles southwest of
/N5104 W09348/CYRL Kenora (N4929 W09449 CYQK) to Red Lake (N5104 W09348
N5209 W09120/60 NW CYPL CYRL) to 60 nautical miles northwest of Pickle Lake (N5209
W09120 CYPL)
TOP FL340 Flight Level and Extent
The top of the squall line of thunderstorms extends to Flight
Level 340
MOV E 15KT Movement or expected movement
The squall line of thunderstorms is moving east at 15knots
NC Change in Intensity
No change in intensity is expected
RMK GFACN33 Remarks
Phenomenon is forecast within the GFACN33 domain
Page | 30
Satellite Imagery
Page | 32
The Meteorological Service of Canada produces a national surface analysis chart
4 times per day, valid at 00Z, 06Z, 12Z and 18ZA few points to remember when
using surface analysis weather charts:
Isobars, curving lines joining points of equal mean sea level (MSL) pressure,
are drawn at 4 hPa intervals from a 1000 hPa reference value.
Winds tend to veer and increase with altitude. Above 3 000 ft AGL, winds
tend to blow roughly parallel to the isobars. When the isobars are spaced
closer together, winds are stronger.
Fronts indicate the transition zone between two air masses and are
depicted by either blue lines with barbs (cold front) or red lines with half
circles (warm front).
Fronts advance in the direction of their pointed barbs (cold front) or half
circle (warm front) symbols. A front that is not advancing is said to be quasi-
stationary. A TROWAL is a trough of warm air aloft.
Upper Air Analysis Charts
Upper air weather charts, also referred to as constant pressure charts, differ
from surface weather charts, such as the surface analysis chart, which displays
weather information at the same geometric altitude above sea level (ASL). The
altitude of the pressure level depends upon the density, and hence the
temperature, of the intervening air column. Since air expands as it is heated, in
regions where the air is cold and dense, the altitude of the pressure level will be
lower than over a region where the air is warmer and less dense.
The depicted information on constant pressure charts is based on temperature,
humidity and wind data gathered from radiosonde balloons and is
supplemented with data from aircraft reports and satellite-derived wind data in
the more remote regions.
On constant pressure charts the level pressure is the same everywhere on the
chart, just as the name implies. What varies on these charts is the altitude of the
specific pressure level. Each chart represents a constant pressure level, so it is
analyzed for altitude or height in decameters above mean sea level. Lines,
known as contours, are similar to isobars on surface weather charts; but these
lines connect points of equal height for the particular pressure level. Contours
are analyzed the same way as isobars; the closer the spacing of the contours,
the stronger the wind speed.
Page | 34
Aviation Weather Forecast Products
Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)
Aerodrome Forecasts (TAF) are produced for approximately 190 sites across
Canada. See AIM MET for locations. Abbreviations and codes in the TAF are the
same as those used in the METAR.
Valid Period - Canadian TAF have various validity periods and can be valid for up
to 30 hours. In the Canadian TAF, a validity period that ends at midnight UTC is
coded as 2400Z (2912/2924). A TAF validity period that begins at midnight UTC
is coded as 0000Z (3000/3018).
Change Groups are used to indicate the time of an expected weather change.
They are FM, BECMG, TEMPO, and PROB30/40. A permanent change group such
as FM or BECMG is definite while a temporary change group like TEMPO is
transitory. PROB indicates a probability of a weather event (not that a weather
event occurs for a percentage of the time).
FM (for From) FM230600Z
Means FROM 0600Z, and is used when a permanent change to the forecast
occurs rapidly. Any forecast conditions given before FM are superseded.
BECMG (for Becoming) - BECMG 2906/2908
Means BECOMING during the period 06Z to 08Z, and is indicated when a
permanent change is expected to occur over 1-4 hours. Normally this is used
when only one or two weather groups are expected to change with the others
remaining the same.
TEMPO (for Temporary)- TEMPO 1306/1312
Means TEMPORARY FLUCTUATION between 06Z and 12Z, and is indicated when
a transitory change in some or all weather elements is expected during a
specified time period. Only used when condition is forecast to last less than one
hour at a time, and does not cover more than half the indicated forecast period.
PROB (for Probability) - PROB30 0806/0812
Means PROBABILITY 30% (or 40%) between 06Z and 12Z that a given weather
condition may occur. In the example above, it means a 30% chance of the
condition occurring between 06Z and 12Z, not that a given weather condition
occurs 30% of the time.
Page | 36
TAF CYQM 291145Z 2912/3012 24010G25KT WS011/27050KT 3SM SN BKN010 OVC040
TEMPO 2918/3001 11/2SM SN BLSN BKN008 PROB30 2920/2922 1/2SM SN VV005
FM300130 28010KT 5SM SN BKN020 BECMG 3006/3008 00000KT P6SM SKC
NXT FCST BY 281800Z
BKN010 OVC040 Sky Condition Cloud layers broken at 1,000 feet AGL and overcast at
4,000 feet AGL
Cloud layers are forecast per the METAR criteria. Only cumulonimbus
(CB) cloud type is identified by appending it after the appropriate cloud
layer height (BKN010CB). Cloud coverage is calculated using summation
amounts as in the METAR
TEMPO 2918/3001 TEMPO Change Group - These elements are forecast to temporarily
11/2SM SN BLSN change between 1800Z on the 29th day and 0100Z on the 30th day.
BKN008 Weather elements identified after a transitory change group code are
expected to change. During the indicated time, visibility, significant
weather, and sky condition are expected to temporarily change; wind
and wind shear are forecast to remain the same
PROB30 2920/2922 PROB Change Group It is 30% probable that the following weather
1/2SM SN VV005 elements will occur between 2000Z and 2200Z on the 29th day
Between 2000Z and 2200Z, it is a 30% probable that the visibility,
significant weather, and sky condition will change. Because wind and
wind shear are not indicated, these elements are expected to remain as
previously forecast
FM300130 28010KT FM Change Group - At 0130Z on the 30th day a permanent change is
5SM SN BKN020 forecast to occur to the following weather elements.
A rapid change in the wind, visibility, significant weather, and sky
condition is forecast at 0130Z on the 30th day. Since FM is a permanent
change group, all weather elements forecast must be indicated following
the FM group
BECMG 3006/3008 BECMG Change Group - Between 0600Z and 0800Z on the 30th day the
00000KT P6SM SKC following weather elements will gradually change to become as forecast
Between 0600Z and 0800Z, a gradual change is forecast to the wind,
visibility, significant weather, and sky condition. NSW (No Significant
Weather) may also be used when the weather is forecast to improve to
the point where significant weather is expected
NXT FCST BY Remarks - Next forecast is to be issued by 1800Z on the 28th day
281800Z The remark RMK FCST BASED ON AUTO OBS is unique to Canadian TAFs.
It highlights that the on-site observational data is AWOS-based. Canada
has staggered issue and update schedules for some TAFs. Refer to the
CFS
Seven distinct GFA areas, or domains, cover the entire Canadian domestic
airspace. A GFA is issued for each domain, and consists of six weather charts:
two valid at the beginning of the forecast period; two valid six hours into the
forecast period; and two valid twelve hours into the forecast period. Of the two
charts valid at each time, one chart depicts clouds and weather information; the
other depicts icing, turbulence, and freezing level information.
Page | 38
The GFA uses codes from TAF and METAR. Symbols and abbreviations are
consistent with those found in the MET section of the TC AIM. All heights are
ASL unless otherwise stated; cloud bases and tops are depicted; prevailing
visibility is always included, and if expected to be greater than 6 statute miles, is
shown as P6SM; surface wind is included only if 20 KT or more or gusts to 30 KT
or more.
Each GFA chart is divided into four distinct sections:
Title Box Includes the domain and issue/valid time.
Legend Box Includes symbols commonly used and a reference
measurement scale in NM.
Comments Box Anything the forecaster deems important, and a 12 hour
IFR Outlook on the last clouds and weather chart.
Weather Information Box Includes the graphic depiction of forecast
weather conditions.
GFA Spatial Coverage Qualifiers
Convective Weather
The following qualifiers for convective clouds and showers may be used in the
GFA according to the spatial coverage definitions:
Abbreviation Description Spatial Coverage
ISOLD Isolated Less than 25%
SCT Scattered 25 50% inclusive
NMRS Numerous Greater than 50%
Non-convective Weather
The following qualifiers regarding restriction to visibility, non-convective
precipitation, precipitation ceilings and low stratus ceilings, may be used in the
GFA according to the spatial coverage definitions:
Abbreviation Description Spatial Coverage
LCL Local Less than 25%
PTCHY Patchy 25 50% inclusive
XTNSV Extensive Greater than 50%
The Clouds and Weather GFA chart provides a forecast of cloud layers and/or
surface-based phenomena, visibility, weather, and obstructions to vision.
Isobars are depicted at 4mb intervals. In addition, the speed and direction of
movement of relevant fronts and high / low pressure centres are depicted.
When the speed of fronts or pressure systems is less than 5 knots, the letters QS
are used to indicate a quasi-stationary front.
Low pressure system
Page | 40
Clouds are depicted with their bases and tops, including convective clouds with
tops extending above 24 000 ft. Convective-type clouds (CU, TCU, ACC, and CB)
are always specified if forecast. In areas where organized clouds are not
forecast, and the visibility is expected to be greater than 6 SM, no scalloped
area is used.
Unlike the METAR and TAF, summation amount is not used to assign coverage
descriptors for clouds in the GFA. Each organized cloud layer is considered
individually.
Surface-based layers are described using standard meteorological abbreviations
including the term OBSCD. LCL OBSCD CIG 3-5AGL means: local obscured
ceilings between 300 and 500 ft AGL.
Obstructions to vision are only mentioned when the visibility is forecast to be 6
SM or less. Visibility is indicated the same as in the METAR/TAF, except that a
range may be specified, e.g., 2-4 SM SHRA.
Areas of precipitation and obscuration are often defined by borderlines.
Page | 42
Turbulence is depicted whenever moderate or severe turbulence is expected. If
the turbulence is due to mechanical turbulence, low level wind shear,
lee/mountain waves, a significant low level jet or in clear air, an abbreviation
indicating the cause of the turbulence is included (e.g. MECH, LLWS, LEE, WV,
LLJ or CAT).
Continuous red border line with dense Enclose areas of moderate low level
light positive cross-hatching turbulence.
Continuous red border line with dense Enclose areas of severe low level
positive cross-hatching turbulence.
Continuous red border line with light Enclose areas of moderate high
negative cross-hatching level turbulence.
Continuous red border line with dense Enclose areas of severe high level
negative cross-hatching turbulence.
Freezing Level contours are indicated on the chart by red dashed lines, starting
at the surface (SFC) and at 2 500 ft intervals. Any modifications are explained in
the Comments Box.
Page | 44
Upper Level Wind and Temperature Prognosis Charts
Upper level wind and temperature prognosis charts depicting the forecast winds
and temperatures for FL240, FL340, FL390, and FL450 are issued twice daily and
are valid at 00Z, 06Z, 12Z and 18Z. Wind direction and speed are graphically
depicted. Pennants (50 KT), full feathers (10 KT), and half feathers (5 KT) at the
base of the arrow shaft indicate the true wind velocity in tens of degrees. The
temperature is indicated in whole degrees Celsius in a small circle at the end of
the direction arrow.
Page | 46
US Differences
Since many Canadian pilots fly to the US, it is important to know the differences
between Canadian aviation weather products and those in the US. Below is a list
of main differences of the American products compared to the Canadian
products:
Always use light setting 5 for RVR observations and RVR tendency not
reported in METAR.
Transcribed Weather Broadcasts (TWEB) are extensively used.
The US produces CONVECTIVE SIGMET and Centre Weather Advisories.
Low IFR ceilings < 500 ft; visibility < 1 SM (LIFR) category is used in FA.
Area Forecasts (FA) is valid for 12 hours with an additional 6-hour outlook.
Supplementary data may be added to METARs.
Alphanumeric radar reports are available.
VRB (variable) is used in METARs for winds of 6 KT or less.
For more information concerning differences and standards for aviation
weather products and services outside Canada, contact ICAO or the American
Meteorology Society (AMS). US weather products are available on the Internet
from NAV CANADA and from the National Weather Service (NWS).
US Differences Page | 47
Meteorological Abbreviations
A complete list of meteorological abbreviations can be found in the Manual of
Abbreviations (MANAB), which is accessible through the NAV CANADA Aviation
Weather Web Site, (publications/links for non-kiosk users/MANAB) or visit the
MSC Web Site at http://www.ec.gc.ca/manab/.
Page | 48
Aviation Weather References
The NAV CANADA Aviation Weather Web Site at
www.flightplanning.navcanada.ca contains most of the aviation weather
information pilots need to plan a flight, as well as links to other aviation weather
products and publications from the Meteorological Service of Canada and the
US National Weather Service (NWS).
To obtain additional aviation weather information, visit the Meteorological
Service of Canada website at www.weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca, and the US National
Weather Service at www.nws.noaa.gov.
Toll-free access to weather briefing and flight planning services is available from
NAV CANADA. Telephone numbers are listed in the CFS in the FLT PLN section of
the airport/facility directory.
To contact NAV CANADA with questions or suggestions regarding aviation
weather products or services, email service@navcanada.ca or telephone
1-800-876-4693.
FIC Pilot Briefing Service and PATWAS Local Number
Toll-Free
Number
Local Airport Telephone
Number
NAV CANADA Contact Name and
Number